Flood Recovery tops one-half billion dollars for infrastructure

Tuesday

Jan 23, 2018 at 10:27 PM

BATON ROUGE— More than $508 million in federal disaster assistance has reimbursed Louisiana schools, local and state government entities and certain private nonprofits with August 2016 flood-related expenses.

Much of the funding—through FEMA’s Public Assistance program—reimburses actions in the immediate response and early phase of recovery. A breakdown of funding to date follows:

$90,732,919 has reimbursed debris-removal expenses.

$313,246,378 has reimbursed disaster response measures such as:

First responder activities to save lives and protect public safety

Minimizing interruptions at schools and other essential community services through temporary facilities and cleaning flood damage

To date, more than $98 million has reimbursed flood-related permanent repairs. Here is a breakdown of work by category:

Roads and Bridges: $7,228,158

Water Control Facilities: $781,501

Buildings and Equipment—such as schools and other essential community facilities: $78,138,838

Public Utilities: $11,723,934

Parks and Recreation: $551,996

The state and FEMA have a long-term commitment to help communities and critical infrastructure recover from the August 2016 flood. They continue collaborating with 282 applicants in 26 parishes on recovery projects.

Of the $98 million, $2.1 million is provided above and beyond just repair costs and local code upgrades. The extra funding supplements some repair projects to enhance resiliency—like elevating electrical items, waterproofing or using watertight construction materials—and ensuring facilities are stronger for generations.

FEMA typically reimburses 75 percent of eligible expenses. However, the agency has reimbursed applicants 90 percent of eligible expenses given the magnitude of the August 2016 floods.

Funding for infrastructure is in addition to the more than $775 million from FEMA to help survivors with housing-related expenses.